John F. Kennedy High School - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

09/25/2026

We had a fantastic Club Fair today. Hundreds of students signed on to new opportunities! Kennedy offers so many opportunities for students to find their passion, make new friends, and learn something new!

09/24/2026

It's Minion Day for Homecoming Week! 🍌.

09/23/2026

Hope to see the ENTIRE Cougar Nation out tonight for the parade at 6:00! Remember Villa's Patio in the Horseshoe, Kona Ice in the North Lot, Wilder Thirst in the South Lot before and after the parade!

09/23/2026

As Kennedy approaches its 60th Anniversary next year, we are starting a new tradition: The Cedar Rapids Kennedy Circle of Honor. Each year, the Kennedy Alumni Association and Kennedy High School will honor five individuals, alumni and past staff, who made an incredible difference both during their time at Kennedy and after. We will honor all five of our inaugural inductees on Friday, September 25th at 6:30 PM before the Homecoming Football Game at Kingston Stadium.

Our final inductee for 2026 is FCS teacher, Donna Young (Buser)!

Donna was one of the most popular teachers at Kennedy during her tenure. She was beloved by her many students throughout her long career. She was named Iowa Family & Consumer Science Educator of the Year in 2014 and given the Iowa Family & Consumer Sciences Friend Award in 2021.

Most remarkably, when Kennedy was unable to locate a Family Consumer Science Teacher due to a late resignation in the summer of 2019, Donna raised her hand and offered to take the role for a year, stepping back into the classroom after her first retirement. She launched right back into the classroom without missing a beat!

After her final retirement, she set up a fund to support Kennedy students in need. This fund is used to help students pay off debts, buy needed items, and has even helped students pay college application fees. Her generosity was well known during her tenure at Kennedy and after.

We are so grateful for all you have done for Kennedy, Ms. Young!

09/22/2026

Attention Seniors: Did you know you could go to Simpson College tuition free with a 3.5 or higher GPA in high school just because you graduated from Cedar Rapids Community School District? It is true.
https://www.simpson.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid-affordability/allinforiowa/

09/21/2026

As Kennedy approaches its 60th Anniversary next year, we are starting a new tradition: The Cedar Rapids Kennedy Circle of Honor. Each year, the Kennedy Alumni Association and Kennedy High School will honor five individuals, alumni and past staff, who made an incredible difference both during their time at Kennedy and after. We will honor all five of our inaugural inductees on Friday, September 25th at 6:30 PM before the Homecoming Football Game at Kingston Stadium.

Let's hear it for our next inductee, Coach Bill Herkelman.

Bill is being inducted into the Kennedy Circle of Honor posthumously as he passed away in 2015. He started teaching Math at Kennedy when the doors opened in 1967 and retired from his teaching career in 2012. During that time he was a long-time baseball coach, both as head coach and as an assistant. During his 36 year coaching career at Kennedy, Bill had a record of 318-224 and earned an induction into the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Under Bill, Kennedy Baseball earned five Metro titles, two Mississippi Valley Conference titles, and two trips to the state tournament.

In 2014, the Kennedy baseball field was named in his honor and remains in tribute to the exceptional legacy he left behind. You will see the number 29 on jerseys, on the field, and everywhere else at Herkelman Field in memory of his incredibly leadership.

His son will receive his plaque at the ceremony on September 25. Thank you for everything, Coach Herk!

09/20/2026

As Kennedy approaches its 60th Anniversary next year, we are starting a new tradition: The Cedar Rapids Kennedy Circle of Honor. Each year, the Kennedy Alumni Association and Kennedy High School will honor five individuals, alumni and past staff, who made an incredible difference both during their time at Kennedy and after. We will honor all five of our inaugural inductees on Friday, September 25th at 6:30 PM before the Homecoming Football Game at Kingston Stadium.

We are thrilled to honor Jaclyn M. Kurtz née Keefer as an inaugural inductee!

Jaclyn graduated from Kennedy in 2002 after an amazing four years as a leader of the Kennedy Color Guard and Girls Golf Team. She also played numerous instruments and was in the Band and Happiness, Inc. Combo. She earned recognition for her outstanding commitment to volunteerism through the National Council on Youth Leadership among the many recognitions she earned.

Jaclyn never forget the spirit of community after high school, working full-time (and part time on top of that) while at Mt. Mercy and volunteering nearly 500 hours while in college. After college, volunteering remained a major commitment, serving at the Cedar Valley Humane Society, Marion by Moonlight Festival, Floodstock 2008 and Floodstock 2009, and Salvation Army Bell Ringing while raising four children with her husband Brad.

Her most recognized volunteer efforts were through the Ashley Chapter, Daughters
of the American Revolution, where she has held numerous leadership positions. In 2019, Jaclyn was named 2019 Iowa State Outstanding Junior by the Iowa Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her career began in banking but led her back to education where she works with children as a paraeducator. At every turn, Jaclyn has been committed to making the world a better place.

Congratulations to Jaclyn M. Kurtz née Keefer, Class of 2002 on being inducted into the Cedar Rapids Kennedy Circle of Honor!

09/20/2026

09/19/2026

As Kennedy approaches its 60th Anniversary next year, we are starting a new tradition: The Cedar Rapids Kennedy Circle of Honor. Each year, the Kennedy Alumni Association and Kennedy High School will honor five individuals, alumni and past staff, who made an incredible difference both during their time at Kennedy and after. We will honor all five of our inaugural inductees on Friday, September 25th at 6:30 PM before the Homecoming Football Game at Kingston Stadium.

Please congratulate Randy Krejci as an inaugural inductee!

Randy graduated from Kennedy in 1972 and was a storied athlete as a member of the State Champion Basketball team, State qualifying bowling team, and tennis team. He was named Athlete of the Year his senior year. Randy was also a writer for The Kennedy Torch student newspaper and a PA announcer among other activities.

Randy quickly returned to Kennedy in 1977 as a teacher and coach and later as Activities Director. He was named the Iowa Athletic Director Association Administrator of the Year and was later named Principal of Harding Middle School. Randy is known statewide for his extensive involvement in running, announcing, and refereeing activities for the past 30 years. His hard work and dedication made it possible for tens of thousands of student athletes to have incredible experiences throughout the many years.

Well done, Mr. Krejci!

09/19/2026

📅Mark your calendars!

WLC is excited to co-host the Fall 2026 Own Your Future event on Thursday, October 8th, 5:30–8:00 PM at Marion High School.

Students get the opportunity to:
🔎 Explore post-secondary education and career opportunities
🎤 Hear from career professionals
👀 Attend information sessions on College & Career Planning, Scholarships, Kirkwood Career Academies, and more
🤝 Connect with colleges, apprenticeship programs, and military branches

This future-focused event is FREE and open to all Linn County high school students. This is your chance to start planning what’s next—don’t miss it!

Register to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo2rEuvZu3FfqoILmPDoJHC7QTFAVrIM_KmE2Ig5SQXwWigg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103470587973342844684

Student registration will close on October 1st.

Marion High School Cedar Rapids Community School District Alburnett Community Schools Xavier High School Cedar Valley Christian School Center Point-Urbana Schools Central City Community School College Community School District Linn-Mar Community Schools Kirkwood Linn Regional Center Lisbon Lions Mount Vernon Community School District Marion Home School Assistance Program Linn Community School District Springville CSD